Longus Capitis Reconstruction of the Soft Palate. (14th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gross, Jennifer H.; Zenga, Joseph; Sharon, Jeffrey D.; Jackson, Ryan S.; Pipkorn, Patrik
• Is Part Of: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery. Volume 161:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 536
• Page End: 538
• Publication Date: 2019-05-14
• Subjects: soft palate reconstruction -- oropharynx cancer -- transoral surgery -- local flap -- longus capitis; Head -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neck -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/0194599819849031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-5998

Abstract

Abstract : Soft palate (SP) reconstruction remains a challenge for the head and neck reconstructive surgeon. One favorable local flap option is the longus capitis muscle (LCM), a deep neck flexor with redundant muscle function, appropriate bulk, and a relatively straightforward surgical harvest. A retrospective review of 3 patients with T2 to T4 tonsil squamous cell carcinoma requiring SP resection and LCM reconstruction at a single institution was performed. Three patients underwent primary transoral resection, all resulting in at least 50% full‐thickness SP defects. Reconstruction comprised a superiorly based LCM local flap. Patients underwent adjuvant (chemo)radiation therapy as indicated. Within 3 to 8 months, each patient was tolerating a full oral diet with no dysphagia, nasal regurgitation, or velopharyngeal insufficiency. For select patients with SP defects, a superiorly based LCM flap may provide a functionally acceptable reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity.